High powered charging network for longer range travel

A new pan-European high-power charging network is on the way. Using a common plug technology, it will offer electric car drivers better e-mobility for longer distance travel.

BMW Group, Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz ), Ford and the Volkswagen Group have announced a new joint venture called IONITY that will develop and implement a high-power charging (HPC ) network for electric vehicles across Europe.

Launching approximately 400 HPC stations by 2020, IONITY says it will make long-distance journeys easier and marks an important step for electric vehicles. Based in Munich, Germany, the joint venture is led by chief executive officer Michael Hajesch and chief operating officer Marcus Groll, with a growing team, set to number 50 by the start of 2018.

“The first pan-European HPC network plays an essential role in establishing a market for electric vehicles. IONITY will deliver our common goal of providing customers with fast charging and digital payment capability, to facilitate long-distance travel,” says Hajesch.

A total of 20 stations will be opened to the public this year, located on major roads in Germany, Norway and Austria, at intervals of 120km, through partnerships. Through 2018, the network will expand to more than 100 stations, each one enabling multiple customers, driving different manufacturer cars, to charge their vehicles simultaneously.

With a capacity of up to 350kW per charging point, the network will use the European charging standard ‘Combined Charging System’ to significantly reduce charging times compared to existing systems. The brand-agnostic approach and Europe-wide distribution is expected to help make electrified vehicles more appealing.

Choosing the best locations takes into account potential integration with existing charging technologies and IONITY is negotiating with existing infrastructure initiatives, including those supported by the participating companies as well as political institutions. The investment underlines the commitment that the participating manufacturers are making in electric vehicles and relies on international co-operation across the industry.

The founding partners, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen Group, have equal shares in the joint venture, while other automotive manufacturers are invited to help expand the network.